Val McPherson from Thames Valley Police honoured for 37 years of service to Neighbourhood Watch

Val has completed over 37 years of loyal service to Neighbourhood Watch, at both local and National level

To mark this notable achievement a Reception was held on 4th December 2019, attended by senior Home Office officials, Police & Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld, Trustees and staff of the Neighbourhood Watch Network, Supt. Rebecca Mears from Thames Valley Police, and representatives of Neighbourhood Watch from across the country.

There was a line up of speakers eager to congratulate Val on this remarkable achievement, and to highlight memorable moments from her long history of volunteering.

These included John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, David Huse, Chair of NWN, Katie Aston from the Home Office, Anthony Stansfeld and Rebecca Mears, amongst others, who all spoke to reflect upon Val’s loyalty, dedication and hard work over many years.

In the early 1980s Val joined Neighbourhood Watch and became the co-ordinator for her local scheme.

Over time she expanded her influence and responsibilities, and for many years she was the Chair of the Thames Valley Association, and the South East Regional Forum.

This included responsibility for oversight of the Neighbourhood Alert database and communications system shared with TV Police.

In 2015 she was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to policing and community safety.

For the future, Val will continue to be heavily involved in her local Neighbourhood Watch, and will continue to be involved at a national level.

To commemorate the occasion she was presented with a crystal tribute from Neighbourhood Watch, letters of thanks from a local resident, The Right Hon. Theresa May, and from Chief Constable John Campbell, and a personalised football shirt bearing no. 37, signed by many of her friends and well-wishers.